How to shop online Safely

There are several reasons why consumers love to shop online. Shipping is fast. The selections are mind-boggling. The bargains are decent. Shopping online is secure. Even return policies are easy, with the right retailers. Online shopping has never been more convenient or easier for customers.

While shopping online is easy and convenient, everyone should know a few tips to to help them shop safely online.

Tip 1: Use a strong password.--Create a password that is unique and one that is uncrackable.

Tip 2: Privatize Wi-Fi. If a consumer goes out in public with a laptop, they will need Wi-Fi connections. But, only if the connections is wireless. If you use your laptop in public in order to shop make sure Wi-Fi connection is password protected.

Tip 3: Avoid using public computers. Its a bad idea to use public computers to make online purchases. If you do, however; remember to log out every time you use one, even if just checking email.

Tip 4: Do not share all. No online retailer will need your social security number or date of birth in order to business. But, if a criminal gets them, combined with a credit card number for online purchases, he or she can do a lot of damage. The more he or she knows, the easier it will be for you to become a victim of identity theft. Never give anyone your credit card over email.

Tip 5: Use websites that are familiar. Begin with a trusted site instead of shopping via a search engine. Some search results can be rigged to lead your astray, especially if you drift past the first few pages of a web link. If you do know the site, it is less likely you will be ripped off. Just about every major retail outlet has online stores. But, beware of sites using a different top-level domain such as .net instead of .com or websites with misspellings. Yes, the sales on these website may look promising, but that is how you can be tricked into give them your personal information. Amazon.com is obviously the mosted trusted online shop there is.

Tip 6: Check your statements. Do not wait for your bill to come at the end of every month. Go online periodically, especially, during the holiday seasons and look at your electronic statements for your checking accounts, debit card, and credit card. Make sure there are not any fraudulent charges, even coming coming from websites liked PayPal.

Tip 6: Inoculate your computer. Con artists do not sit around waiting for you to give them data; sometimes they will give you a little something to help move things along. You need to protect against malware with regular updates to anti-virus programs.

Tip 7: Keep paper trails. Save and print records of online transactions, including: copies of email exchanged with the sellers, product description, prices, terms of sale, and online receipts. Read all your credit card statements when they come to make sure there are not any unauthorized charges. If there are discrepancies, call your bank to report them, immediately.